Emmanuel Berthier - La Scandibérique

La grande boucle du Sud-Ouest à vélo

Un concentré de Sud-Ouest

Voici une idée de parcours en boucle qui fait la part belle aux pépites du Sud Ouest. Laissez-vous porter par le dynamisme de Bayonne, Mont-de-Marsan et Dax, escales vibrantes de culture et d'histoire. Entre deux coups de pédale, détendez-vous sur les plages de sable fin ou au bord des lacs paisibles des Landes. Au fil des voies vertes et petites routes explorez les ports ostréicoles du Bassin d'Arcachon et les villages de caractère du Lot-et-Garonne. Ce voyage de 695 km est une invitation à ralentir pour mieux vous imprégner de l'authenticité, la gastronomie et les traditions de cette région.

Départ : Bayonne
Arrivée : Bayonne ou Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Distance : ~ 700 kilomètres
Balisage : tour 100% balisé dans les 2 sens / empruntant plusieurs itinéraires

Moliet Plages sur La Vélodyssée sur La côte Atlantique

La Velodyssee Droner-Win-Air_Photographe - Aurelie-Stapf

Un départ iodé entre terre et mer !

Le départ de Bayonne donne le ton d'une aventure dynamique et iodée. En suivant La Vélodyssée, vous longez le littoral à vélo où l'air marin vous revigore. Prenez le temps d'explorer les stations de Capbreton, Mimizan, Parentis-en-Born ou Biscarrosse pour s'essayer au surf ou s'évader au bord des grands lacs et mystérieuses rivières environnants. Plus au nord, le Bassin d'Arcachon clôture en beauté cet arc maritime. Entre la ville d'Arcachon et les ports ostréicoles typiques de La Teste-de-Buch, Gujan-Mestras ou Biganos, l'immersion est totale. C'est une invitation à l'émerveillement face à la beauté sauvage de l'Atlantique.

Sur le canal de Garonne vers Le Mas d'Agenais

Teddy Verneuil Lezbroz

Des forêts de pins aux miroirs d'eau du canal

Le bruissement des vagues est remplacé par celui des pins sur ce tronçon qui emprunte le Tour de Gironde puis La Scandibérique. Vous traversez le Parc Naturel des Landes de Gascogne vers Hostens et ses cinq lacs, avant de sillonner la vallée du Ciron et la haute Lande girondine. Pour les amoureux du patrimoine, ne manquez pas le château de Villandraut et la collégiale d'Uzeste avant de rejoindre les quais de Garonne à Langon. Porte d'entrée des vignobles des Graves, cette cité dynamique ouvre la voie vers le Canal de Garonne. Profitez des cités fluviales de Fontet, Meilhan-sur-Garonne, Fourques-sur-Garonne et du Mas-d’Agenais, où un chef-d'œuvre de Rembrandt vous attend dans sa collégiale. Poursuivez votre découverte à vélo jusqu'à la bastide colorée de Damazan.

Liaison vers Bordeaux : à Hostens vous pouvez rejoindre Bordeaux par Le Tour de Gironde à vélo

pause touristique à Labastide-D'Armagnac

Emmanuel Berthier - La Scandibérique

Mémoire des pierres : bastides, vignes et art de vivre

Après avoir admiré les façades pastel de Damazan, rejoignez les vignerons de Buzet pour une visite guidée au cœur des vignes. En direction de Nérac, cité royale, laissez-vous séduire par le Moulin des Tours de Barbaste et l'imposant château d'Henri IV. Suivez La Scandibérique vers Mézin, capitale du liège, puis traversez la forêt landaise jusqu'à Labastide-d'Armagnac. Cette "Petite Cité de Caractère" vous dévoile sa place Royale et l’insolite Chapelle Notre-Dame des Cyclistes, véritable sanctuaire gardien de maillots de champions. Terminez cette étape inspirante à Mont-de-Marsan, où un parcours Terra Aventura vous attend pour explorer la ville de manière ludique.

Thimotée Buisson - La Scandibérique

De l'Adour aux Pyrénées

Longez la Midouze vers Tartas et les Barthes de l'Adour avant de rallier Dax, première destination thermale de France. Après une visite des arènes et une pause gourmande autour des célèbres madeleines, accordez-vous une pause bien-être au spa. Le voyage se poursuit vers le village pittoresque de Saubusse et le pont Eiffel à Josse, porte d'entrée du Pays basque. Entre Urt et Bidache c'est la Bidouze que l'on rejoint, avant d'arriver à Saint-Palais, carrefour historique des chemins de Saint-Jacques. Le panorama majestueux des Pyrénées se dévoile au fur et à mesure de votre progression, vous traversez des paysages immuables depuis le XIe siècle jusqu'à votre arrivée à Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Une conclusion inspirante et ressourçante pour cette boucle inoubliable. Ultreïa !

Tailor-made itineraries

35 Capbreton / Bayonne

29 km

1 h 55 min

I cycle often

This stage between the Landes and the Basque Country lets us enjoy forest and large beaches as we make our way along beautiful cycle lanes. As we approach Boucau, La Vélodyssée enters more urbanised surroundings. After all, sometimes we must share the highways!

34 Léon / Capbreton

33 km

2 h 13 min

I begin

La Vélodyssée now heading north, advances to a few hundred yards from the Côte d’Argent, gradually getting closer to Moliets-et-Mâa and Messanges. The route finally meets the powerful ocean at Vieux-Boucau, the former port (until the river Adour was re-routed to Bayonne in 1578) and today a very pleasant stopping point. Here La Vélodyssée sails past the iconic seaside, surfing and health resorts of Hossegor and Capbreton. These two towns are separated by the Boudigau - the redirected former Adour River – but their names are linked by their proximity and their huge popularity with tourists in the central areas of the Landes.

33 Mimizan-Plage / Léon

47 km

3 h 08 min

I cycle often

Having soaked up the atmosphere of the Mimizan-Plage seaside resort, it’s back on the saddle to once more find the inner calm of the forest: its silence and delicate fragrances, with the deep sense of tranquility, and being master of this happy space, far away from the hustle and bustle of the world. La Vélodyssée encourages meditation…The woodland trail bringing a feeling of peace, reinforced by the fragrant pine trees. You have to leave the trail to enjoy the seaside beaches near Contis-Plage or St-Girons-Plage, or those of the Léon Lake beaches that you come to.

32 Parentis-en-Born / Mimizan-Plage

31 km

2 h 04 min

I begin

After the Biscarrosse and Parentis Lakes, the trail follows secondary roads and takes us to the more secluded northern lake of Aureilhan. Several access paths later, the trail brings us onto the western bank, for a moment of relaxation and a swim on the beach.

31 Biscarrosse-plage / Parentis-en-Born

26 km

1 h 42 min

I cycle often

From Gironde to the Landes nothing really changes, apart from the section of military land which forces La Vélodyssée away from the seafront to make a long detour inland, where the blues of the vast ponds replace that of the sea. You may try out the hydroplanes, common to this part of Biscarrosse!

30 Arcachon / Biscarrosse-plage

26 km

1 h 43 min

I begin

After an essential trip to the top of the Dune of Pilat to appreciate the beauty of the area and the views, we once again set off on a long crossing through the Landes Forest. Just before the Biscarrosse-Plage, La Vélodyssée takes you seamlessly from La Gironde into the Landes.

29 Lège-Cap-Ferret / Arcachon

42 km

2 h 48 min

I cycle often

Those nostalgic for the trains of yesteryear, welcome! Except for a shared section with traffic between Lège and Arès, La Vélodyssée now follows the former steam-train tracks. We pass stations and you’ll need to “go off the rails” to truly enjoy Arcachon Bay and surrounding villages.The forests of Gironde disappear, to be replaced by urban landscapes during this stage around the Bassin d’Arcachon. A little way after Lanton, we find ourselves in the Regional National Park of the Landes de Gascogne, which is fragrant with the iodised and authentic air of Aquitaine.

7 Salles / Andernos

30 km

1 h 59 min

I begin

Leaving the Gironde's forests behind you, you now enter urban areas as you reach the Arcachon Basin in Biganos. While still along the former railway line, the atmosphere is radically different. You should get off the trail, to discover the oyster-fishing ports. And protected natural areas like Domaine de Certes-Graveyron. You'll find small seaside resorts along the way: Audenge, Lanton, Andernos, all perfect places to discover the region's charming coastal heritage. One variant of the route takes you to Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat, a giant sand dune. From here, a pleasant boat trip will take you to Cap Ferret.

6 Saint Symphorien / Salles

38 km

2 h 31 min

I begin

How about a stop on the white sandy beaches of the Domaine Départemental Gérard Lagors in Hostens? This huge site is home to numerous open-air activities and services. A 100% nature-themed route awaits you in the Landes de Gascogne regional nature park. Home to Europe's largest planted pine forest, this area offers a number of relaxing places to stop off alongside the Leyre.

39 Hostens / Langon

45 km

3 h 00 min

I cycle often

After enjoying all the outdoor possibilities at Hostens, the Scandibérique continues south, via a long stretch of greenway, to the town of Bazas and, thanks to a recent extension, as far as Langon. This good-quality greenway in fact makes it possible to go from the Bassin d'Arcachon by the coast to the Canal de Garonne (via Langon and Castets-en-Dorthe). You cycle along a really lovely path through quiet pine forests. Note how different plots are planted with pines of different ages. While the colour green dominates, when heather and broom flower, Impressionist touches of yellow, white, pink, red and purple are added to the picture. If heading out quietly early in the morning, you may encounter deer on your path.

40 Langon / Buzet-sur-Baïse

68 km

4 h 24 min

I cycle often

From Langon, the route joins the Canal de Garonne at Castets-en-Dorthe. Cycling along the next stretch, you can chart the progress of your reflection in the canal’s waters! From Fontet to Buzet-sur-Baïse, the Scandibérique follows the same path as the Canal des Deux Mers à Vélo cycle route. It’s easy to ride at a steady pace, although you may encounter quite a number of other cyclists as you pedal along in the shade of the plane trees. You pass a delightful array of bridges, locks, vineyards and orchards up to the port at Buzet-sur-Baïse, at the end of this stage.

41 Buzet-sur-Baïse / Mézin

31 km

2 h 23 min

I cycle often

The Scandibérique route now heads for the Pyrenees, taking you into the historical territories of the young Henri de Navarre, who would become King Henri IV of France from 1589 to 1610. After greenways, you ride along peaceful minor roads crisscrossing the Pays d’Albret area of Gascony, made up of a mosaic of lands. From the fortified bastide village of Vianne to Barbaste and its fortified Moulin des Tours, on to Mézin, a perched village, there are many little southern gems a stone’s throw from the route. Gascon culinary tradition encourage you to sample the spirit Armagnac, Buzet wines, and, if you’re up for it, foie gras. This is a blissful area for a cycling adventure!

42 Mézin / Escalans

23 km

1 h 32 min

I begin

From Mézin to Sos, the Scandibérique route runs in part along a greenway beside the Gélise River, the path shaded, the atmosphere quite unspoilt. The private Château de Poudenas with its Tuscan looks is the first curiosity you ride past. After Sos, you cycle along quiet county roads. As you approach Escalans Gabarret, you get closer to the edge of the great Landes Forest, the scent of its pines wafting over to you. Come evening, enjoy succulent local specialities on your stopover to regain your energy.

43 Escalans / Mont-de-Marsan

58 km

3 h 52 min

I begin

Welcome to the county of Landes, a land full of traditions, offering opportunities aplenty to enjoy the place’s conviviality, with many ferias and places at which to savour local specialities. From Escalans, the Scandibérique heads for Labastide d’Armagnac, a medieval village boasting a rich traditional heritage, nestled in the midst of vineyards that produce the oldest spirit in France. Every self-respecting cyclist should pay homage at the Chapelle des Cyclistes before tasting (in moderation, of course!) Armagnac made by a local producer. Cycling on towards Mont de Marsan, enjoy little detours to the village of Bougue and the archaeological site of Castets. At Mont-de-Marsan, the figurative sculptures at the Musée Despiau Wlérick, plus, not far off, but in the midst of forest, Marsan Lake, with its outdoor leisure centre, are two good reasons for prolonging your stay here.

44 Mont-de-Marsan / Dax

68 km

4 h 30 min

I cycle often

You might think you’ve arrived in Spain earlier than expected along the EuroVelo 3 cycle route, looking around Mont-de-Marsan on a sunny day, what with its bullring and adverts for its flamenco festival! However, the Musée Despiau Wlérick, with its figurative sculptures, the Parc Jean Rameau, and the well-laid-out banks of the Midouze River, with its gentle quays, are southwestern French in feel. Riding on towards Dax, you might explore the local religious heritage, notably at Carcarès-Sainte-Croix and Saint-Vincent-de-Paul. For the more adventurous, leave your bikes a while to take a canoe trip down the Midouze, or to enjoy a hike in the Adour’s barthes, wetland meadows characteristic of the areas around Saint-Vincent-de-Paul and Pontonx-sur-l’Adour. If after something more relaxing, in Dax, at the end of this stage, recharge your batteries at the thermal spa baths.

45 Dax / Urt

55 km

3 h 46 min

I cycle often

A Scandibérique stage offering you the chance to enjoy the thermal pleasures of the resorts of Dax, Saint-Paul-lès-Dax and Saubusse. Following the Adour by bike, riding along towpaths converted into cycle paths, you reach the village of Saubusse. A former river trading and fishing port, it stands in a lovely setting, tempting for a walk or a drink at a water-side terrace. At Josse’s port, you could opt to go out on the river in a boat or a canoe. There’s something for everyone in these parts, with the many outings, traditions and gastronomy on offer, all in striking landscapes carved out by the Adour’s waters and by Pyrenean torrents.

46 Urt / Saint-Palais

58 km

3 h 42 min

I cycle a lot

Continuing beside the Adour and Bidouze Rivers, the Scandibérique cycle route brings to mind the river trading of centuries past, as you ride past the little ports of Guiche, Bidache and Came. Almost half-way along, you’re suddenly made to climb above Came and the Pyrenees Mountains appear on the horizon as ascents and descents follow. The perched villages dotted around display their fine architectural heritage, while typically Basque architecture stands out as you approach Saint-Palais, a picturesque little town that makes a lovely stopover beside the Bidouze. You might push further, into the valley of the Gave d'Oloron torrent, giving you a taste of the different, Béarn culture. Looks change so fast in these parts.

47 Saint-Palais / Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

37 km

2 h 19 min

I cycle a lot

Immediately on leaving Saint-Palais, ride on to Saint-Sauveur Hill, where the Cross to Xibalterre or Gibraltar (the name for St Sauveur in the Basque language!) marks the spot where several pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela (in northwest Spain) meet. All along this stage, you’ll spot many markers for this extremely popular pilgrimage, still much-loved today and rich in heritage. Both cyclists and walkers will appreciate the many related structures dotted along the climbs and descents to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, not just crosses, but chapels, churches, ruined hospices and villages packed with memories, as well as countless gîtes to stop at. The number of walkers and cyclists sharing this track has been growing consistently, showing what a major European route the Scandibérique - EuroVelo 3 is. At the end of the stage, you enter Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port via the Porte Saint-Jacques gateway; the cobbled street taking you down this way makes for a dramatic arrival!

1 Biarritz / Urt

31 km

2 h 02 min

I begin

Starting from the Grande Plage de Biarritz, the main beach in this famed resort, the Vélosud offers a dreamy setting for you to capture the beginning of your Pyrenean cycling adventure on camera. Along the first stretch, you share the same route as the Vélodyssée (EV1) cycle route, passing prestigious hotels and villas as you ride through the Quartier du Phare, around the lighthouse. Continuing northwards you ride alongside the parish of Anglet’s beaches, the coastline here much straighter and sandier. Reaching the Adour Estuary, the coast-hugging start to your cycling journey comes to an end. The Vélosud now makes you turn your back on the Atlantic for good, guiding you east along the banks of the river, with, as your very distant destination, the Mediterranean! More immediately, a stop in the highly picturesque streets and lanes of Bayonne proves a joy for those who appreciate historic yet lively towns. Then continue riding beside the Adour, the best option for cycling in peace, avoiding any slopes, up to the village of Urt, with its old fishing harbour.

Côté pratique :

Accès en trains :
- Horaires Paris <> Bayonne
- Hébergements / restaurants / sites de visites : rendez-vous sur les cartes des étapes ci-dessous et affichez les différentes catégories.

La grande boucle du Sud-Ouest à vélo